Southern Land of Wind.
The sun hung high in the sky, generously pouring its light onto the desert below.
Water was scarce here, and humans could only survive by relying on scattered oases of various sizes.
Such harsh climatic conditions undoubtedly posed significant challenges for Kirigakure's invasion.
Although chakra could create matter from nothing, its duration was limited.
If the environment contained a large amount of the necessary material, then using corresponding jutsu would not only reduce chakra consumption but also enhance the technique's power.
Take Kirigakure's specialty—Water Release—as an example.
If performed in the humid climate of the Land of Water, the user could minimize chakra expenditure on material transformation.
Instead, they could utilize the moisture in the air and nearby water sources to execute Water Release jutsu.
This way, the user's focus would shift from creating water to manipulating existing moisture.
Such an approach was highly beneficial in terms of chakra efficiency and jutsu potency.
However, the current situation was the exact opposite.
Attempting to unleash Water Release in a dry desert was significantly more difficult for Kirigakure.
Not only would the jutsu's power be diminished, but the chakra consumption would also increase accordingly.
To make matters worse, they faced the "Scorch Release User" Pakura, who could evaporate water vapor instantly—she was nothing short of a nightmare for Kirigakure's ninjas.
Fortunately, Kirigakure had assembled a formidable lineup for this operation.
Leading the force was the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, accompanied by two of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist—Fuguki Suikazan and Biwa Juzo.
Additionally, the new generation of talents, including Mei Terumi and Mangetsu Hozuki, had demonstrated outstanding performance in this war.
It was a display of overwhelming strength.
Without such a powerful force, Kirigakure would have already been crushed by Sunagakure, which held both the geographical and environmental advantages.
Even so, they still found themselves vexed by Pakura's Scorch Release techniques.
But soon, this struggle would come to an end.
Word had already come from Sunagakure—they were willing to negotiate peace with Kirigakure.
Of course, this was merely what the ordinary Kirigakure ninjas knew.
Only the highest-ranking members of Kirigakure were aware of the true sacrifices that the Kazekage had made to bring this war to an end and secure his position.
Perhaps, to him, it wasn't even a sacrifice…
"The negotiation with Sunagakure will take place here."
Yagura Karatachi pointed to a location on the map—a lush oasis standing out like an emerald amidst the golden desert.
Not only did this oasis have ample water resources, but it was also home to a dense forest.
It was one of the most important oasis towns in the southern Land of Wind.
According to the deal with Rasa, the Kazekage, Kirigakure would fully withdraw from this oasis town once Pakura arrived.
Then, in a supposed "fit of rage," Rasa would personally lead his army to reclaim it.
That was Rasa's plan.
And Kirigakure was more than happy to assist him.
"Everyone will hide within this forest. When Pakura arrives, we'll strike together."
Yagura Karatachi looked at the assembled forces, his youthful face twisted with a vicious killing intent.
Soon, everything they had lost to Konoha would be reclaimed from Sunagakure.
Kirigakure would not decline under his leadership!
Seeing Yagura's firm resolve, the surrounding ninjas all took on solemn expressions.
"Yes!!"
Outside the town of Emerald Lake
Pakura arrived with her trusted subordinates.
"Lady Pakura, are you really going to enter the town alone for the negotiations?"
A Sunagakure ninja beside her asked anxiously.
While the prospect of a ceasefire and driving the enemy out was certainly a relief, Sunagakure's orders required Pakura to attend the negotiations alone, as a gesture of good faith.
To him, this seemed far too risky.
But under the bright sunlight, Pakura's eyes gleamed with determination.
"For peace between Kirigakure and Sunagakure... and to give Sunagakure a chance to recover, I am willing to take this risk."
Pakura's words were filled with unwavering determination.
She patted her subordinate's shoulder reassuringly. Under the sunlight, the tips of her orange hair shimmered like flickering flames, naturally inspiring trust in those around her.
"Don't worry. I will return with victory."
After leaving those words behind, the Scorch Release user—feared by Kirigakure's ninjas—strode swiftly toward the oasis ahead.
Her entry was smooth and unimpeded; she encountered no resistance as she stepped into the oasis.
Inside, a thin mist coiled through the trees.
"Pakura of the Scorch Release—I've heard much about you."
From within the mist, a youthful face emerged. The voice of Yagura Karatachi was soft and innocent, almost like that of a naïve child.
Yet no one could have imagined that within this seemingly harmless boy resided a terrifying power.
"The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi."
Pakura recognized the "child" before her immediately.
After all, among all of Kirigakure's forces, only a handful posed a real threat to her.
And Yagura was the greatest threat of them all.
Not only did he wield formidable and troublesome Water Release techniques, but he was also a rare jinchūriki, one who could fully control the power of his Tailed Beast.
His chakra seemed limitless.
The technique he used, which allowed him to mimic an opponent's jutsu, had left a lasting impression on Pakura.
He was an exceptionally formidable opponent.
That was Pakura's assessment of Yagura Karatachi.
Coincidentally, Yagura's assessment of her was exactly the same.
Which was why they now stood face to face.
"Since we're both here, let's sign the agreement. Kirigakure has promised that once the treaty is signed, you will withdraw unconditionally from the Land of Wind."
Pakura wasted no time.
The thickening mist around her made her increasingly uneasy.
If this were a battlefield, she would have already burned away the mist with her Scorch Release.
But to avoid provoking Yagura and ruining the peace negotiations, she chose to endure for now.
Hearing the urgency in Pakura's tone, Yagura smiled faintly.
"Of course. Kirigakure always keeps its word—we will withdraw from the Land of Wind."
"But first..."
"We'll be taking your head!"
A savage killing intent flashed across Yagura's face as the surrounding mist suddenly shifted, carrying an ominous menace.
As soon as he spoke, a crimson chakra erupted from his body.
The sinister energy spread, coating the massive hook in his hands before he swung it down at Pakura with devastating force!
Boom!
With the power of the Tailed Beast's chakra, Yagura unleashed a monstrous strike.
The ground beneath Pakura was instantly shattered, leaving a massive crater. Fragments of rock and soil were blasted into the air, swirling within the rising dust cloud.
A shadow flickered through the smoke.
With the agility of a hare, Pakura leaped onto a tree branch, evading the deadly blow.
"What do you think you're doing, Yagura?!"
Pakura's eyes burned with fury.
Had she not been on guard, Yagura Karatachi's sudden ambush might have severely injured her!
"Are you planning to break your agreement with Sunagakure?"
She gritted her teeth.
If Kirigakure tore up the treaty, it wouldn't just put her in danger—it would mean the war between Sunagakure and Kirigakure would continue.
More lives would be lost. More suffering would befall her village.
The thought of it filled her with uncontrollable rage.
But her words only provoked a cold, mocking laugh from Yagura.
"Isn't it obvious what I'm doing?"
"As for breaking the agreement?"
Yagura scoffed.
"We are honoring it."
"I'll tell you the truth—Kirigakure's condition for peace was your life!"
His words froze Pakura in place.
"What do you mean?"
She had already suspected something, but deep down, she didn't want to believe it.
Yagura, however, confirmed it without hesitation.
"That's right. Your life was the price your Kazekage paid to buy peace."
"As long as he delivered you here, Kirigakure agreed to withdraw unconditionally. We even promised to make it look like he had defeated us."
His blunt words were like a dagger to Pakura's heart.
Her breath caught, her mind reeled.
And that moment of shock—was exactly what Yagura had been waiting for.
"Attack!"
At his command, hidden Kirigakure shinobi emerged from the mist.
Jūzō Biwa struck first.
The Executioner's Blade, reclaimed from Danzo's collection, sliced effortlessly through the air.
With a chilling whoosh, the sharp blade tore through soft flesh.
A splash of crimson followed.
Pakura leaped back, gripping her wounded arm, her expression dark with fury.
She had never imagined that Rasa would make such a decision.
Though Yagura's words were one-sided, considering Rasa's past behavior, they seemed highly plausible.
Otherwise, how else could she explain why the Kazekage ordered her to come alone?
As Pakura's gaze darkened, more figures emerged from the mist.
The towering, hulking Fuguki Suikazan.
The seductive yet deadly Mei Terumi, her lips painted the color of fire.
The sharp-fanged, blue-haired prodigy, Mangetsu Hōzuki.
Kirigakure's elite were all here.
___
I know you might be confused, as why Mangetsu still alive again.
Me too.
At the time Danzo vs 7 swordsmen, that Mangetsu could use hydrification jutsu (unique to Hozuki clan) and wielding hiramekarei. Hence why I named him Mangetsu (Cz apparently, the Kanji of all 7 swordsmen is bizzare, that's why more often than not, translators will confused all 7 swordsmen)
And this Mangetsu also could use hydrification, hiramekarei, and prodigy of all Swords. (Only the real Mangetsu capable of that.)
So, I conclude the Mangetsu that Danzo killed was not the real Mangetsu, but just another Hozuki's clan member with the same name.
_
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